Author: Oser Communications Group

The Difference Between a Trade Show and a Conference

Written by Oser Communications Group on June 28, 2025. Posted in Trade Show.

As a leader in modern trade journals, Oser Communications Group knows that there are a few crucial event types in business marketing. Entrepreneurs often weigh attending a trade show vs. a conference without fully understanding their distinctions. Take a closer look at conference and trade show definitions, as well as how to decide which one to participate in.

Is There a Difference Between a Trade Show and a Conference?

At first glance, trade show vs. conference comparisons seem minimal. After all, each of these events sees industry professionals gather together in an effort to drive their business forward. However, they differ in terms of formality and agenda.

A trade show features individual business booths where representatives can highlight products or services. Attending a trade show grants them the opportunity to:

Increase brand awareness
Build relationships with prospective clients
Share info about new offerings

A conference, on the other hand, is a bit more formal and education based. Conferences aim to educate attendees about emerging trends or technology. They often feature a panel of speakers as the primary event, plus group workshops and networking sessions.

These multi-day events don’t center around brand promotion. However, you can connect with attendees and discuss your business with them.

Understanding Expos and Conventions

When it comes to defining a trade show vs. a conference, both are B2B events for industry professionals. You can network with other businesses and meet prospective customers at an expo or convention.

Expos center around several industries and are open to the public. They allow you to introduce your brand to customers and generate meaningful leads. A convention is less about promotion and more about community building, such as fan conventions.

Tips for Choosing Between a Conference, Expo, or Trade Show

Deciding to attend a trade show vs. conference hinges on several important factors. Check out some key components that may influence your decision below.

Consider New Innovations Impacting Your Industry

Are there cutting-edge advancements in your industry that you’re unfamiliar with? A conference could be a great way to learn about them and build your network. You can:

Listen to lectures
Participate in discussions
Network with collaborators
Incorporate new information into your operations

Plan Around Product Roll Outs

Say you’re implementing a new product that can benefit others within your industry. Why not highlight it at an upcoming trade show? Confirm your participation and establish an eye-catching booth.

You can inform others about your product through:

Interactive demonstrations
Casual networking
Contests or giveaways

Spread the word through trade publications for greater impact.

Analyze Customer Conversion Metrics

Perhaps your traditional marketing methods aren’t yielding the results you desire. Meet potential customers and increase brand awareness by signing up as a vendor at a local expo.

Promote Your Business Properly

Now that you understand what a trade show vs. conference showcases, you can take advantage of these events. Oser Communications Group helps entrepreneurs like you prepare for trade shows for optimal success.

Do you want to learn more? Call (520) 721-1300 to get started.

How Many Giveaways To Order for a Trade Show?

Written by Oser Communications Group on June 28, 2025. Posted in Trade Show.

Attending expos offers a great way to promote your business and connect with prospective clients. Countless trade show publications recommend participating businesses have promotional items to gift attendees. However, planning trade show giveaways requires careful thought and consideration.

Find out how many giveaways to order for a trade show so you can make the event as successful as possible.

Why Trade Show Freebies Matter

Calculating your trade show swag needs may seem daunting and lead you to wonder, “Are giveaways really necessary?” The planning is worthwhile since freebies offer multiple benefits, including:

Creating a more engaging booth for visitors
Promoting new products or services
Generating meaningful leads
Increasing brand awareness

Research shows that businesses that use giveaways at expos enjoy higher conversion rates compared to their counterparts. Use this trade show giveaway quantity guide to plan accordingly and leverage the power of free items.

How To Calculate Your Giveaway Item Estimate for Trade Events

If you’re wondering how many giveaways to order for a trade show, experts have a few proven tactics. Explore popular giveaway ideas and choose items that both promote your business and serve a function for attendees. Once you know which object you’ll set up at your booth, use the following tips to order an ample supply.

Consider the Crowd Size

The rule of thumb is to have enough free swag for 75% of attendees at smaller shows and giveaways for 25% of the crowd at large gatherings. Consider how many people the venue can accommodate at a time and how many attendees organizers expect.

Analyze Data From Past Events

When determining how many promotional items to order for expo attendees, look back at data from previous trade shows. At every event, you should be tracking metrics, such as:

The number of people who visit your booth
Attendee engagement and giveaways
Total leads or sales

Reviewing the data from past events helps you plan for upcoming shows. Use this information not only to calculate giveaway estimates but also to continually improve your marketing strategy.

Don’t Be Afraid of Ordering Too Much

Buying promotional items in bulk provides the best option when preparing for upcoming trade shows. Use the tips above to calculate a reasonable amount of items to purchase. You don’t want to devote too much of your marketing spend to giveaways, but ending up with more than you need isn’t the worst-case scenario.

You can always use any remaining items for future shows. Consider running social media contests that give away some of your leftover promotional gear so they don’t go to waste.

Plan for Trade Show Success With Oser Communications Group

You now know how many giveaways to order for a trade show, but do you know which freebies people value the most? Are you struggling to promote a new product or service at events? Oser Communications Group can help with these issues and more.

We’re a leader in trade journals and offer valuable marketing insight for businesses across multiple sectors. Call (520) 721-1300 to learn more about the resources we offer.

Four Ways To Use QR Codes at Trade Shows

Written by Oser Communications Group on May 28, 2025. Posted in Trade Show.

You’ve probably seen QR codes and maybe even scanned some of these funny-looking black-and-white boxes on occasion. While these easy-to-access codes help people open sites or apps quickly, it would be short-sighted to think of them as just another fad. Why not use them strategically at trade shows to give your business a leg up?

Learn all you need to know about using QR codes at trade shows below.

Looking for more trade show advertising ideas? Give Oser Communications Group a call!

QR Code Benefits at Trade Shows: Why Savvy Business Owners Shouldn’t Miss Out On the QR Craze

Imagine being able to direct potential customers to your website from anywhere, whether they’re standing in line for lunch or chatting with you at your trade show booth. Well, that’s the power of QR codes for trade show marketing! It might just be one of the best-kept secrets of clever business owners.

By leveraging QR codes, trade shows instantly let a business generate leads, gather feedback, share information, and so much more!

Tips for Using QR Codes for Lead Generation

Maybe you know how QR codes at trade shows work, but you need some inspiration. Try these ideas next time:

Place a QR code on Your Business’s Sign

Direct trade show visitors to your lead generation page so that they can send you their contact details in seconds. Adding freebies, like coupons or ebooks, might entice sign-ups for the mailing list.

Print a QR code on Your Badge or Business Cards

Ask potential customers or partners to scan the code. They’ll instantly see must-know details about your brand in one convenient spot.

Prepare a QR Code Scavenger Hunt

Place “hidden” QR codes around your trade show booth. Reward guests who find them all with a prize – branded merchandise or gift cards – because everybody loves freebies!

Pick a QR Code To Display Something Specific to Your Industry

Own a store that sells beauty products? Create a code that allows guests to try a new look with a virtual makeover. A video game developer might make a surprise demo of their game when guests scan the QR code with their smartphones.

Your QR Code Best Practices for Events

Some businesses make mistakes when using QR codes at events and then wonder why they don’t work. Follow these best practices for using QR codes at trade shows to ensure things go smoothly:

Rigorously test your QR code multiple times before going live. Try scanning the code with different devices. How does your page display for different guests?
Properly optimize your business website’s landing page for mobile devices. Blogging platforms like WordPress have plugins that do this for you.
Place your QR code in an easily visible location. Guests shouldn’t miss it.

And remember to make it fun!

Dominate Your Next Trade Show With QR Codes

You’ve seen the benefits of using QR codes at trade shows. If you need a helping hand with your next event, just reach out to Oser Communications Group! We excel at trade show advertising and building customer relationships, so call us today at (520) 721-1300.